Chimamanda Adichie’s Lawyers Petition Lagos Hospital as State Suspends Anaesthesiologist
- Jan 12
- 2 min read
Solicitors representing acclaimed Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her partner, Dr Ivara Esege, have formally written to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos following the death of their 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi. The legal action comes amid an ongoing investigation by the Lagos State Government, which has confirmed the suspension of the anaesthesiologist involved in the child’s care.
In a legal notice dated January 10, 2026, the parents’ lawyers alleged that Euracare Hospital and its medical team breached their duty of care during a series of diagnostic procedures performed on the child. The notice, issued by law firm PINHEIRO LP and signed by its founding partner, Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), outlined multiple claims of medical negligence.
According to the letter, Nnamdi was referred to Euracare on January 6, 2026, from Atlantis Pediatric Hospital for investigations including an MRI scan, echocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. These procedures were said to be part of preparations for an urgent medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist team was reportedly on standby.
The lawyers stated that the child was sedated with propofol and later developed severe complications during transfer between clinical units. They alleged lapses in monitoring, airway protection, oxygen support, and adherence to paediatric safety protocols, claiming that these failures contributed directly to the child’s death in the early hours of January 7.
The notice also accused the hospital of failing to adequately inform the parents of the risks associated with the sedation and other anaesthetic agents, raising questions about informed consent. Based on these allegations, the parents are demanding certified copies of all medical records related to their son’s treatment, as well as the preservation of all physical and electronic evidence, including CCTV footage and internal reports.
The Lagos State Government has confirmed that it has launched its own investigation into the incident. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said the anaesthesiologist involved has been suspended while inquiries continue. She noted that both the hospital and state health authorities are conducting parallel investigations in line with established protocols.
Euracare Hospital, in an earlier statement, said it had commenced a detailed internal review and pledged to cooperate fully with regulators. The hospital maintained that it followed standard clinical procedures and provided care consistent with internationally accepted practices.
However, the child’s aunt and family doctor, Dr Anthea Nwandu, publicly challenged the hospital’s account. She disputed claims that the child had been treated at multiple facilities before arriving at Euracare and alleged serious deviations from international standards of paediatric sedation and patient transfer. According to her, the absence of continuous monitoring and adequate resuscitation support raised critical concerns about how the child was managed.
The case has sparked widespread public reaction, particularly on social media, where many have called for greater accountability and stricter oversight of private healthcare facilities. As investigations continue, state authorities have said their findings will be made public and appropriate actions taken based on the outcome.
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